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Guided morning bird hike: The Lake Elmo Park Reserve hosts a guided morning bird hik Saturday, Dec 8 starting at 9 a.m. Learn to identify the birds that call the St. Croix Valley home and contribute to citizen science data collection by completing bird count surveys with the guide. The surveys collected will assist the Washington County’s Natural Resources team and related work in conjunction with the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund grant. This is a one-hour guided hike; meet in the Nordic Center foyer. The hike will traverse turf, gravel, and paved trail depending on trail conditions. Participants should bring binoculars and dress for hiking and the weather. This program is free with a parks vehicle permit — $7 daily or $30 annually — and is open to people of all ages and abilities. ADA accommodations can be made as needed. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Guided fitness hike: The hike starts at 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec 6. The one-hour hikes involve a warm-up and fitness challenges along the way. Trails are a mix of turf, gravel, grass, snow, and pavement depending on trail conditions, time of year, and location. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early. If light rain or snow, hike will go on as scheduled. The program is for those ages 13 and older. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. All guided fitness hikes are at the Lake Elmo Park Reserve Thursdays from 9 to 10 a.m. and will meet at the Nordic Center. These programs are free with a parks vehicle permit - $7 day or $30 annual - with the exception of Free Tuesdays.

Lake Elmo Park Reserve is located at 1515 Keats Ave N in Lake Elmo. For more information call 651-430-8370.

Maplewood Nature Center events

December Brrd-count: Brrrd-count: is Saturday, Dec 15 starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Maplewood Nature Center. Its for ages 14 and older. Drop in to watch and record winter birds on trails or at feeders. Enter your sightings into eBird or hand-write a list for the naturalist. Double the fun by renting a pair of snowshoes for $5/pair if there is six inches of snow on the ground. It is a free drop-in program.

Nature Hangout: This drop-off program for only youth ages 7-11, Nature Hangout will be held Wednesday, Dec 22 starting at 1 p.m. Parents can get some holiday preparation work done while we go outdoors all together for a treasure hunt, then back inside to meet live animals, and a craft. Dress for the weather. There will be snowshoeing if there is snow. Registration is required by Thursday, December 20th and costs $25 per youth. Register at www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com, or call 651-249-2170.

S’more Nature Fun: will be held Saturday, Dec 29 starting at 1:30 p.m. It is fun to be outside in the wintertime. Take a hike or snowshoe down to the pond for a fun exploration then make S’mores.